Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by examining the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to build structure and behavioral changes and offer medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. ADHD symptoms adults male of the symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their work or home life.
While the symptoms of inattentive ADHD may have first appeared during childhood, they tend to go undiagnosed because adults are expected to manage their impulsive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms on their own. In the end, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are finished. They also are often late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will assess a person to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if the patient has ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family members, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD in order to improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications that aren't stimulants can be used. These are less likely to cause side effects and include guanfacine (Intuniv), bupropion/atomoxetine, and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as Strattera.
Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
People with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD struggle to sit still and remain focused. This symptom can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and could cause mistakes due to negligence. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might squirm or fiddle with their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their chairs or pacing while they listen or talk.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADD often have trouble waiting for their turn to speak or play, and they may blurt out their answers before other people have finished speaking. They struggle with self-control, and often be constantly on the move, unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty organizing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions which can result in mood swings or severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout their childhood. They may have adapted to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stresses of working or raising a family, as their issues became more apparent. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the ratio becomes more comparable as they reach adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all treatment options that include stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long time or causing things to stay in their mind, such as schoolwork or chores, homework or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace and in their private lives. Attention and impulse issues can create a lot of stress and lead to problems in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and manifest at different times in life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys, and having difficulty following through with tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't. It's best to try one a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, and especially when there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, though it may affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms in several aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are several methods to treat ADD among adults, including medication, lifestyle changes and behavior therapy. A combination of treatments is usually the best option, and medication can be prescribed in various forms, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and atomoxetine (Strattera). These medications aid in increasing concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available, and these can be an ideal choice for those who don't want to take stimulants or require them at a lower dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete question. They often have a difficult time to wait in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding social boundaries in an environment and can cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and provide them the tools needed to manage their symptoms.
To receive a diagnosis, doctors must identify at least six symptoms of inattention and at least five symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity to a degree that interferes with daily functioning. These symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and continue for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. Additionally the symptoms have to be severe enough to reduce the person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD occurs however they are aware that it could be inherited and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the condition. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role, and that some people develop the disorder spontaneously with no family history.
There are various behavioral treatments for adult ADHD, including structured routines and organizational strategies, talk therapy (Cognitive-behavioral therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), exercise and healthy sleep habits. These therapies are usually more effective than prescription medications.